Sat Dec 13 19:19:06 UTC 2025: ## Hungarians Demand Orban’s Resignation Over Child Abuse Scandals

Budapest, Hungary – Thousands of Hungarians took to the streets of Budapest on Saturday, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Viktor Orban over his government’s perceived inaction regarding a series of child abuse scandals that have rocked the nation in recent years.

Led by opposition leader Peter Magyar, the protests were triggered by fresh allegations of abuse at a juvenile detention center in Budapest. Security footage surfaced in September showing the director of the Szolo Street detention center kicking a child in the head. While four staff members have since been taken into custody and the government announced increased police supervision of such facilities, protesters argue these measures are insufficient.

Demonstrators marched through the city, carrying banners proclaiming “Protect the Children!” and carrying soft toys and torches in solidarity with abuse victims. They are calling for more decisive action against perpetrators and accountability within the government.

The protests come on the heels of Magyar releasing a previously unpublished 2021 report revealing that over 20% of children in state-run care institutions have been abused. This revelation has intensified public outrage and fueled accusations of systemic negligence within the government.

While Orban has condemned the abuse as “unacceptable and criminal” and his government insists action is being taken, critics argue his response is inadequate. The scandals are posing a significant challenge to Orban’s 15-year rule, particularly with elections expected in April.

Last year, public pressure forced the resignation of President Katalin Novak after she pardoned the deputy director of a state-run children’s school convicted of covering up sexual abuse. This incident further eroded public trust in the government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable children.

“Normally, a government would be toppled after a case like this,” remarked David Kozak, a 16-year-old protester. He echoed the sentiment of many, accusing the government of prioritizing damage control over addressing the root causes of the abuse.

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